tRNA and tRF&tiRNA populations are dynamically regulated in cancer and highly enriched in biofluids, making them promising biomarker molecules. Arraystar's solution combines tRNA-seq, tRF&tiRNA-seq, and PCR arrays to discover differentially expressed tRNAs and tRFs/tiRNAs, then validate candidate biomarkers across cohorts.
A two-stage workflow from discovery to validation
The composition and abundance of tRFs&tiRNAs are highly dependent on the cell type and disease condition, making them excellent biomolecules for biomarkers [1]. For example, the ratio of tRFs&tiRNAs is a good indicator of cancer progression-free survival and a candidate prognostic marker [2]. tRNA expression is also dynamically altered in cancer: tRNAs are over-expressed in breast cancer [3], and modulated expression of specific tRNAs drives gene expression and cancer progression [4].
Arraystar's cancer biomarker solution starts with genome-wide discovery by tRNA-seq and tRF&tiRNA-seq, identifying differentially expressed tRNAs, tRFs, and tiRNAs in tumor versus normal samples. Candidate biomarkers are then validated by high-throughput qPCR arrays — the nrStar™ tRNA PCR Array and nrStar™ tRF&tiRNA PCR Array — or individual pre-designed primers, with biofluid-compatible workflows for liquid biopsy applications.
This solution combines tRNA sequencing, tRF&tiRNA sequencing, and qPCR arrays to discover and validate tRNA- and tRF/tiRNA-based biomarkers for cancer. It pairs genome-wide discovery with high-throughput validation, and supports biofluid samples such as serum and plasma for non-invasive biomarker studies.
Cancer biomarker discovery services — combine sequencing and qPCR arrays for discovery-to-validation studies
| Service Name | Coverage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| tRF&tiRNA Sequencing | Genome-wide tRF/tiRNA discovery with precise annotation | |
| tRNA Sequencing | Comprehensive tRNA expression profiling | |
| nrStar™ tRF&tiRNA PCR Array (H/M) | 185 human / 88 mouse prevalent tRFs & tiRNAs | |
| nrStar™ tRNA PCR Array (H/M) | 185 human/mouse tRNAs, isoacceptors & isodecoders |
Why choose Arraystar for cancer biomarker discovery
tRNA-seq and tRF&tiRNA-seq profile the full tRNA and tRF/tiRNA landscape in cancer samples.
Ready-to-run PCR arrays validate candidate biomarkers across many samples in hours.
tRF&tiRNA annotation by sequence, type, length, and cleavage sites; tRNA annotation by isoacceptor and isodecoder.
tRNA and tRF/tiRNA populations are highly enriched in biofluids, supporting liquid biopsy studies.
Differential expression, statistics, and publication-quality graphics in every project.
Sequencing, PCR arrays, pretreatment kits, and LC-MS work together in one integrated program.
tRNA and tRF/tiRNA in cancer
tRFs and tiRNAs, generated through precise biogenesis processes from tRNA, perform many biological functions as small noncoding RNAs and are associated with many diseases and conditions (Fig. 1). The composition and abundance of tRFs&tiRNAs are highly dependent on the cell type and disease condition, making them excellent biomolecules for biomarkers [1].
For example, the ratio of tRFs&tiRNAs is a good indicator of cancer progression-free survival and a candidate prognostic marker [2]. Also, tRNA and tRF&tiRNA populations are highly enriched in biofluids, much more so than microRNAs [5-6], supporting non-invasive biomarker studies in serum and plasma.
tRNA expression is also dynamically regulated in cancer: tRNA over-expression is observed in breast cancer [3], and modulated expression of specific tRNAs drives gene expression and cancer progression [4]. m7G-modified tRNAs elevated by METTL1 overexpression drive tumorigenesis in leukemia, glioblastoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and lung cancer [7-9].
From tumor samples to validated tRNA and tRF/tiRNA biomarker panels
Tumor, normal, or biofluid samples are processed with small-RNA-retaining RNA purification and rigorous QC.
tRNA-seq and/or tRF&tiRNA-seq profile differentially expressed tRNAs, tRFs, and tiRNAs with precise annotation.
Differential expression analysis, statistics, and publication-quality graphics prioritize candidate biomarkers.
nrStar™ tRNA PCR Array and tRF&tiRNA PCR Array, or pre-designed primers, validate candidates across many samples.
Results are cross-referenced with tRNA modification data (LC-MS, modification sequencing) and clinical variables.
Deliverables for cancer biomarker discovery projects
Every project includes focused bioinformatics with publication-quality graphics. Sequencing projects deliver differential expression profiling with detailed annotation; array projects deliver ready-to-analyze qPCR data with analysis tools.
tRNA and tRF/tiRNA biomarkers across cancer research
The ratio of tRFs&tiRNAs is a good indicator of cancer progression-free survival and a candidate prognostic marker (Oncotarget, 2016).
tRNA over-expression in breast cancer and functional consequences (Nucleic Acids Res, 2009).
A comprehensive repertoire of tRNA-derived fragments in prostate cancer (Oncotarget, 2016).
tRNA-based prognostic score in predicting survival outcomes of lung adenocarcinomas (Int J Cancer, 2019).
m7G-modified tRNAs elevated by METTL1 overexpression drive leukemia, glioblastoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and lung cancer (Mol Cell, 2021).
tRNA and tRF/tiRNA populations are highly enriched in biofluids, supporting non-invasive biomarker discovery.
Method selection depends on your biomarker discovery stage and sample type
| Dimension | tRF&tiRNA Sequencing | tRNA Sequencing | tRF&tiRNA PCR Array | tRNA PCR Array |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profiling scope | Genome-wide tRFs & tiRNAs with precise annotation | Comprehensive tRNA expression | 185 human / 88 mouse prevalent tRFs & tiRNAs | 185 human/mouse tRNAs |
| Best for | Discovery in new sample types | Discovery of tRNA expression changes | High-throughput cohort validation | High-throughput tRNA validation |
| Sample throughput | Low to moderate (per-sample sequencing) | Low to moderate | High (384-well plates, results in hours) | High (384-well plates, results in hours) |
| Biofluid compatibility | Yes — tRF/tiRNA highly enriched in biofluids | Yes | Yes | Yes (primers validated in serum) |
| Recommended RNA | > 1 µg | > 2 µg | > 5 µg | > 5 µg |
Official Arraystar sample submission requirements for cancer biomarker projects
Common questions about cancer tRNA & tRF/tiRNA biomarker discovery
Featured Client Publications in Cancer tRNA & tRF/tiRNA Research
Arraystar combines tRNA-seq, tRF&tiRNA-seq, and PCR arrays for cancer biomarker discovery and validation — get a quote and a project timeline tailored to your study.